Pokémon Starters: A Guide Through Generations 1-9

Each new generation of *Pokémon* introduces fans to a fresh trio of starter Pokémon, each representing the Grass, Fire, and Water types. With the franchise now spanning nine generations, we have a total of 27 starter lines. Let's delve into the lineup of these beloved partner Pokémon throughout the years.

Generation I Starter Pokémon

The iconic starters that kickstarted the *Pokémon* journey are Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle from the Kanto region. These beloved creatures first graced the screens in the original US-released titles *Pokémon Red*, *Blue*, and *Yellow*. They've made memorable comebacks in remakes like *Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen* and *Pokémon Let's Go! Pikachu and Eevee*, and remain catchable in various mainline games, including *Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver* and *Pokémon X and Y*.

Generation II Starter Pokémon

Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile introduced players to the Johto region in the Gen II games *Pokémon Gold*, *Silver*, and *Crystal*. These starters also make an appearance in the remakes *Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver* and have been made available in subsequent games through various methods, such as the QR Scanner in *Pokémon Sun and Moon*. Notably, Cyndaquil serves as a starter in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus* as well.

**Note:** Cyndaquil evolves into Quilava at level 14 in all mainline games except *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. Refer to the Gen VIII section for *Legends: Arceus* evolution details.

Generation III Starter Pokémon

In *Pokémon Ruby*, *Sapphire*, and *Emerald*, the Hoenn region introduced the starters Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip. These starters return in the remakes *Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire* and can be encountered in various other mainline games and DLC.

Generation IV Starter Pokémon

The Sinnoh region's starters, Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, debuted in *Pokémon Diamond*, *Pearl*, and *Platinum*. These starters reappear in the remakes *Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl*. Although they don't serve as starters in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, which explores an ancient Sinnoh called Hisui, all three can be caught in the game along with other mainline titles and DLC.

Generation V Starter Pokémon

The Unova region's starters, Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, were introduced in *Pokémon Black and White* and their sequels *Pokémon Black 2 and White 2*. While remakes are still a topic of speculation, these starters can be caught in various other mainline games and DLC. Oshawott also features as a starter in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*.

Generation VI Starter Pokémon

The Kalos region brought us the starters Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie in *Pokémon X and Y*. Froakie's final evolution, Greninja, gained a special form known as Ash-Greninja in the *Pokémon the Series: XY* anime, which was available through the *Pokémon Sun and Moon* demo. Since then, these Kalos starters have been catchable in other mainline games and DLC.

Generation VII Starter Pokémon

*Pokémon Sun and Moon* introduced the Alola region's starters, Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio. These starters returned in *Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon* and have been available in DLC for subsequent mainline games. Rowlet also serves as a starter in *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*.

**Note:** Dartrix evolves into Decidueye at level 34 in all mainline games except *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*. Refer to the Gen VIII section for *Legends: Arceus* evolution details.

Generation VIII Starter Pokémon

Generation VIII introduced *Pokémon Sword and Shield* along with *Pokémon Legends: Arceus*, each offering different starters. *Sword & Shield* brought us the Galar starters Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, which can also be caught in the *Hidden Treasure of Area Zero* DLC for *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet*.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

*Pokémon Legends: Arceus* revisits the ancient Sinnoh region, known as Hisui, and reintroduces Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as starters. Evolution levels differ slightly from previous games, and each final evolution features a new regional form. Additionally, all three Sinnoh starters from *Diamond*, *Pearl*, and *Platinum* can be caught in this game.

Generation IX Starter Pokémon

The Paldea region of *Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* introduced the starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Sprigatito is a sassy cat-like Grass type, Fuecoco a heartwarming Fire crocodile, and Quaxly a stylish Water type. While you need to trade to complete the set of native starters, all past starters can be caught in the *Hidden Treasure of Area Zero* DLC.

As the *Pokémon* franchise concludes its ninth generation, excitement builds for the future with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 and the eagerly awaited *Pokémon Legends: Z-A* currently in development.

*Pokémon Scarlet and Violet* along with the *Hidden Treasure of Area Zero* DLC are now available for players to enjoy.